Melbourne-based Artist, Vanessa Vun, on Her Journey Through Art
Tell me a little bit about yourself:
My name is Vanessa, I am 19, I’m a Melbourne-based artist, and I am finishing off my final year at university in my fine arts course.
How and when did you first get into art?
I have been drawing ever since I can remember because in my old house, I had a room filled with scribbles all over the walls and I did that around 2 or 3. Ever since then, I kept going with it. I’ve been into art my whole life.
How did your family and friends support your early aspirations in pursuing a creative career?
My friends supported me wholeheartedly and were supportive. My family took a little bit more convincing because of their views of being an artist, like the unstable income, which they were fearful of. It wasn’t until I approached them with a plan that I told them my goal is to be an art teacher instead of a full-time artist as a backup, but that put their thoughts at ease. We managed to compromise, and they ended up being supportive. I am grateful for that.
Do you take any influence or elements from your cultural background when you approach projects?
In some way, shape or form, I kind of do, but in more of an implicit way. I approach my art with how I am feeling at the time, and I use my art as a tool to discover myself and unpack all of the traumas I’ve had. A lot of it leads to my culture and heritage because Cambodia came out of genocide, and a lot of the things happening now in my life could be seen as a byproduct or result of what happened back home.
How would you describe your style of art?
I would say my art is pretty dark, provocative, melancholy and a little dramatic.
What mediums do you use?
I’m pretty broad as I can’t stick to just one medium. I primarily use charcoal to draw and oils to paint.
Who or what inspires Vanessa?
I take inspiration from many things. Especially films, I love Tim Burton films - Edward Scissorhands, Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride - I would say that’s the main source of inspiration at the moment. I would say, as an artist,t I use history as inspiration too. Theatre as well, mostly the goth ones. Music and poetry. I get inspiration from life in general.
What’s your favourite song or album atm?
That’s hard because I love music so much, but at this point, it’d be Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die!
What’s one thing you’d like to contribute back to your culture?
So if I am ever given the opportunity, I would love to be part of the resurgence of art in Cambodia because during the war, they wanted to get rid of the art, culture and heritage in our country. Right now, Cambodia is doing great.. They are rebuilding, but in terms of art, it would be cool to be a part of it. That’s the only way I would be able to contribute back to my culture.
What is it like studying art in Melbourne? Because I feel like my friends in Adelaide tend to move to Sydney or Melbourne to pursue art.
I don’t know why Melbourne is like this. I would say there are more opportunities here other than other cities I’ve heard of, there are lots more passionate creatives. Our funding and facilities feel more accessible here.
“Capsized” Photography by Alex Nguyen & Creative Direction by Vanessa Vun
Do you have a favourite cultural Cambodian dish that you or perhaps your family makes?
Yeah! So there is this soup called salaw machu, it is lemon chicken, and it is so good. I have been eating it since I was a baby. You eat it with rice, and it is the best meal, especially in winter.
What is one thing you would say to younger artists who may want to pursue a career similar to yours?
I would say… Start now honestly. Learn the basics, learn the principles, and learn the elements, because they all mean something. Brush up on your foundations. Also, stay true to who you are as a person and take this time to figure yourself out through your art.
Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, I hope to be teaching in either a high school or a primary school. While I teach, I am hopefully pursuing art on the side and doing solo exhibits.